One in 10 American on food stamps

[Orwellian_Ghost]

One in 10 American on food stamps
Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:07:04 GMT

Statistics reveal that US unemployment reached the highest level in 15 years; as 31.6 million Americans are now receiving food stamps.

According to Friday's figures from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate reached 6.7 percent in November, the highest level since October 1993.

With 3.2 million more Americans unemployed than 12 months ago, the need for food assistance has risen. Last month saw the evaporation of 533,000 jobs, the biggest one-month loss since 1974.

Figures released earlier this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that food stamp beneficiaries increased by 17 percent.

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http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=77565§ionid=3510203

[ikojo]

1. More Americans probably NEED food stamps

but don't qualify. It is EXTREMELY difficult for a single person with no children to qualify for any type of assistance in this coutry.

[Donnachaidh]

2. there would be a LOT more if the under-employed were helped

Many folks I know are only working part time, and struggling to pay mortgages and rent, utility bills etc. They could certainly use the help of food stamps to take the pressure off. But they make as little as $10 over the amount to qualify and they are kicked to the curb.

[kickysnana]

3. If you get rent help you generally can only get $10 FS so many don't bother to apply. n/t

[wartrace]

4. Does that number include children or is it households? n/t